At NC State, our Wolfpack pride is more than just wearing red on game day. It’s the pride in our community, identity, and sense of belonging to the Pack! Have you ever stopped to think about what makes our Wolfpack pride so meaningful? Is it the sea of red and white during events, the thousands of echoing voices from students who shout “Go Pack!”, or maybe something much deeper? Well, sociology can help us explore this in more depth! 

When we pack Carter-Finley Stadium, William Neal Reynolds Coliseum, or the many other fields to show our Wolfpack support for our teams, we are participating in what is called collective identity formation. This is the process in which people create a shared sense of community and belonging through common experiences and symbols. Just going to games and events fosters unity and connection among our many students at NC State. Even small symbols, like wearing Wolfpack merch or painting the Free Expression Tunnel helps reinforce the group bond. In this article, two professors from NC State define Wolfpack pride through a sociological lens!

Dr. Thomas Shriver shares: “Symbolic interactionism provides insight into how we create meaning in our social worlds. In terms of Wolfpack pride, the importance of symbols, such as wearing NC State T-shirts, hats and sweatshirts, helps bring us together. There’s a whole body of literature in sociology that focuses on collective identity and Wolfpack pride is one of the ways that students, faculty and staff express their shared identity as being part of the NC State community.”

Dr. Jamie Puglin also shares: “When thinking about Wolfpack pride, it creates a sense of belonging. Being part of the Wolfpack, a part of the campus, and a part of what the university is doing. Experiencing a sense of belonging to the Wolfpack and pride for what the university does – whether that is research or athletics, or any involvement in any organization on campus.”

According to sociological research, shared group experiences strengthen social ties and promote feelings of inclusivity!

NC State has many traditions. These range from the Belltower lighting after winning a game to the chants we howl to show our support. What you might not know is that these traditions act as social rituals! The rituals mark meaningful events (such as game day wins or even graduation) and create emotional bonds with the university. One very popular ritual before our football games is tailgating, which serves as a bonding activity for our Pack! Strangers can become friends and make new connections simply by celebrating with their peers before our games. You may even notice the day after a game, campus and classes may feel noticeably different, either more lively or a little emptier, depending on whether the Pack won or lost. That’s because wins and losses can influence mood, morale, and even academic motivation!

Even participating in Packapalooza, another iconic tradition, showcases the community at NC State. The university fills the streets with students, faculty, alumni, and more to enjoy a day of music, food, celebration, and togetherness! Sociologically, events like Packapalooza serve as a communal bonding experience, which reinforces the Wolfpack pride of NC State. Live music performances and dances encourage large-scale group attendance, which helps boost feelings of unity. The rows of students and faculty, or even outside organization booths, give opportunities for students to connect with all the campus groups, which fosters social integration. Even the Wolfpack merch sold throughout the festival reinforces Pack pride by using symbolic unity. Packapalooza helps students create lasting memories and form important social connections, which contribute to a stronger sense of belonging. 

To explore the topic more, Dr. Shriver was asked: “What role do shared traditions, such as Packapalooza or the Belltower lighting, play in fostering a sense of community at NC State?” Dr. Shriver answered: “NC State traditions such as Packapalooza or the Belltower lighting offer an opportunity for students to become immersed in Wolfpack pride. These events and activities provide a way for new generations of NC State students to get socialized into our strong school spirit. These kinds of events help students get excited about joining the NC State community, and participation in these events helps reinforce our shared school identity.”

Dr. Puglin was asked: “Why do symbols like the Wolfpack gesture carry so much social meaning in the NC State community?” Dr. Puglin answered: “Symbols like that carry the same weight almost like an inside joke. Because Wolfpack pride is so strong, those symbols are representative of being a part of a shared belonging. It’s very powerful to see people wearing NC State gear on campus. If you happen to be wearing your NC State shirt and walking through a city in France, and see someone else wearing one, it’s a good way to create an instant connection of something you share.”

Campus events like Packapalooza have key roles in shaping a student’s emotional ties to the university. It can lead to a higher level of campus involvement and retention!

Wolfpack pride doesn’t end at graduation. Instead, it becomes an alumni identity. Wearing NC State gear or having Wolfpack memorabilia shows the connection alumni carry. Attending alumni events or homecoming allows them to relive experiences and even strengthen ties with fellow graduates and current students. Supporting current students through mentoring, donations to scholarships, or contributions to the university allows alumni to stay connected to their alma mater and foster a cycle of Wolfpack pride! Sociologically, this reflects symbolic attachment, as alumni see NC State not just as their former school, but as part of their identity. This connection often leads to networking benefits and a sense of shared legacy!

Institutional loyalty reinforces the university’s community across MANY generations, keeping the Wolfpack spirit alive past our campus itself!

Wolfpack pride is more than just cheering at games. It’s a sociological occurrence that fosters connection, strengthens social bonds, and shapes the NC State experience. So, the next time you shout “Go Pack!” or throw a wolf gesture, remember, you’re not just showing school spirit – you’re participating in a social phenomenon that ties generations of students and alumni together. Once a member of the Pack, always a member of the Pack!

Written by Zackary Pazar, Criminology Major, Department of Sociology and Anthropology Student Ambassador